It’s not everyday that India dominates a day of tennis the way it did on Friday. While a lot of fuss was created over stalwart Leander Paes missing (shoulder injury), the young guns made sure the Indian flag fluttered high on Day One of the all important play-off tie against South Africa in Johannesburg.
While Somdev Devvarman breezed past Izak Van der Merwe 7-6 (5) 6-3 6-4 in the first singles tie, Bopanna staged a stunning comeback to upset Rik de Voest 2-6 6-4 6-2 6-4 in the second encounter of the day.
While many predicted Somdev’s win, Rohan Bopanna’s performance came as a pleasant surprise to many, including India’s Davis Cup coach Nandal Bal. “Rohan played the match of his life today,” he told DNA over phone from Johannesburg. “I have never seen him play so well so far in his career. We always believed that we could win three out of the four singles matches but winning the first two is really great. It’s a great day for us,” Bal said.
Bopanna refused to throw in towel even after receiving a drubbing in the first set and turned the tables on his higher ranked opponent, who is placed 99 rungs above him at 189 on the ATP charts.
Bopanna was struggling to get on the board initially but raised his game by several notches as the match progressed. He never looked back after breaking Rik, South Africa’s No.1 player in the tie, in the fifth game of the second set.
After making it one set all, Bopanna played an amazing game as he served extremely well and his booming single-handed backhand and forehand were too hot to handle.
“Rik was all over Rohan in the first set. He was hitting the ball very well and made life difficult for Rohan. But as soon as Rohan found his feet, he turned the match on its head. He looked a completely different player since then,” Bal said.
Somdev’s win over Merwe took some pressure off Bopanna but the 29-year-old still had to deliver. “If Somdev’s win eased Rohan’s nerve, it had a completely opposite effect on Rick. And Rohan took advantage of it,” Bal said.
The 2-0 win puts India in the driver’s seat in this tie now. A win in Saturday’s doubles clash will clear India’s entry into the World Group after 11 years. “It’ll be a little difficult for us in doubles. They have a very experienced team. But we hope to wrap up the encounter tomorrow itself and not allow them to get into the tie again.”
—With agency inputs
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